By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has strongly condemned the Ministry of Health and Child Care for allegedly neglecting a nurse who sustained serious injuries while performing her duties, calling the situation a “shameful betrayal” of frontline healthcare workers.
The nurse, Progress Muzwa, was injured while attempting to save the lives of a mother and her newborn during a medical emergency. Despite her selfless act of service, ZINA says she has been “abandoned” by the Ministry, receiving neither medical support nor financial compensation.
“We are deeply disturbed by the inhumane treatment of Nurse Progress Muzwa, who was injured on duty while serving her country,” said ZINA president Enock Dongo in a statement released on Tuesday.
“She has been left without support, care, or even recognition. This is unacceptable.”
ZINA says Muzwa’s injuries were sustained in the line of duty yet the Ministry has not acknowledged her case or provided the necessary help. The association condemned what it described as a systemic pattern of neglect affecting many nurses in Zimbabwe.
“This is not an isolated case. Across the country, nurses are injured while escorting patients, in ambulance accidents, or while lifting immobile patients and they are left to suffer in silence,” Dongo said.
The association also highlighted the dire financial reality faced by most public health workers, noting that government nurses earn less than US$200 a month, making it nearly impossible to afford private care when injured on the job.
ZINA is demanding a full investigation into the handling of Muzwa’s case and accountability from officials at all levels, from district health offices to the Ministry’s leadership.
“Those responsible for this failure must be held to account. This culture of abandonment is driving nurses out of the public health system and out of the country.”
The association vowed to continue advocating for Muzwa until she receives proper treatment, compensation, and recognition, and called on government, Parliament, and development partners to take immediate action.
“Nurse Muzwa’s sacrifice should have been met with honour, not silence. We ask again: Who will care for the carers?”
ZINA’s statement concluded with a demand to end the silence and indifference toward health workers injured on duty.